Native America Calling
Native America Calling is a daily, interactive program connecting listeners with soul-stirring and thought-provoking conversations about Native and Indigenous communities. Each program features leaders, influencers, and folx on the front lines working to improve the quality of life for Native, Indigenous, and First Peoples around the globe. Native America Calling is heard on nearly 70 public, community, and tribal radio stations in the United States and Canada - and live streamed on our Native Voice One network. Our program is a production of Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, a Native-run non-profit based in Anchorage, Alaska.
Monday, September 25, 2023 – How the Pontiac rebellion changed history
The British acquired a large expanse of North American territory following the French and Indian War. But their oppressive treatment of the resident Native Americans fostered discontent. It all boiled over in 1763 as Odawa Chief Pontiac or Obwaandi’eyaag, formed an alliance among several tribes against the British occupation. Violence spread from the Great Lakes region to West Virginia. The resistance forced the British to change their official stance toward Native people. We’ll recount how Chief Pontiac and his allies …
Friday, September 22, 2023 – The scope of the massive Arizona Medicaid scam expands
At first officials identified Navajo, Apache, and other Arizona tribal members as among those who were victims of a massive Medicaid fraud scam. Now tribes in Montana, North and South Dakota, and other states are taking stock of their members who were also caught up in the fake substance abuse treatment con that reaches into the hundreds of millions of dollars. The Blackfeet Nation declared an emergency to help gain resources to repair the fallout for its citizens. We’ll find …
Thursday, September 21, 2023 – Growing recognition to change offensive place names
Until this month, one of Colorado’s highest peaks was named for the former state governor who fostered and supported what became known as the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864. It took years of pressure and an awareness campaign to get the name changed. Still, support is not universal. We’ll get the story on changing the Mount Evans name to Mount Blue Sky – and some updates on other important place name changes. GUESTS Fred Mosqueda (Southern Arapaho), Arapaho Language and …
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 – Maui fire response turns to healing, rebuilding
Neighbors are helping each other rebuild after the historic deadly fire on Maui. The community is in line for hundreds of millions of dollars in federal and state funds, in addition to private donations from all over the world. More than a month after the blaze swept through the city of Lahaina and the surrounding area, officials are still sorting out the cause and the factors that contributed to its severity. And, while not as bad as originally feared, the …
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 – Finding suicide intervention that works
The newest survey from the Pew Charitable Trusts concludes suicide is an urgent public health issue. Their data shows that while the suicide rate increased an alarming 30% across the board over a 20-year span, the rate for Native American and Alaska Native females rose a staggering 135% over the same time. The number for Native males is close behind. At least half of those people had contact with the health care system within a month of taking their own …
Monday, September 18, 2023 – Is the end of federal support for Native businesses in sight?
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling denying race-conscious college admissions has Native business owners on alert over the far-reaching implications beyond higher education. A recent federal judge’s decision puts an additional hurdle in front of Native businesses when it comes to a program in place to diversify federal contracts. Some experts and Native small business owners worry it’s only the beginning of a new system that will mean fewer successful Native entrepreneurs. GUESTS Jackson Brossy (Navajo), Assistant Administrator for the Office …
Friday, September 15, 2023 – Imagining Indigenous futures in art
The Center for Native Futures (CfNF) opens this weekend in the heart of downtown Chicago. The gallery art space is the first of its kind in the Windy City and it’s dedicated to contemporary Native artists interested in visualizing the future and setting the tone for the future of Native art. We’ll visit with the founders and artists at the new center. GUESTS Debra Yepa-Pappan (Jemez Pueblo and Korean), co-founder/co-director of Center for Native Futures and visual artist Noelle Garcia …
Thursday, September 14, 2023 – Biden’s recent climate change actions in Alaska and California
The Biden Administration reversed oil leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), earning praise from environmental advocates and Alaska Native wildlife and subsistence hunting protectors. But the move also received criticism from Alaska Native corporations and the state’s entire congressional delegation. We’ll look at the ongoing political back-and-forth that defines the pristine but resource-rich tundra of Alaska. Plus, a preview of what could be an historic marine sanctuary set-aside initiated by the Chumash Tribe in California. GUESTS Bernadette Demientieff …
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 – The new approach to high school sports injuries
The good news is high school sports injuries are decreasing, according to a study released this year by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The bad news is the severity of those injuries are getting worse. As fall seasons get underway, Native trainers are responding to new awareness of the dangers of life-long injuries from high school sports. Young athletes could encounter serious injuries including concussions, broken bones, ruined joints, and even anxiety and other mental health problems. The one-time …
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 – Land Back victories
The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe just took ownership of almost 900 acres of ancestral land in Virginia, thanks, in part, to $3 million in federal funds. And legislation in Minnesota would transfer a state park to the Upper Sioux Community in a historic act recognizing atrocities committed by state and federal officials against the Dakota people that culminated in the mass execution of 38 Dakota men in 1862. Those are two examples of a trend in governments, organizations, and individuals …